Area Obituaries
Beulah Ellen Rister, age 97 of Bridgeport, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Lawrence County Memorial Hospital. She was born to Ellis J. Palmer and his wife Clara Mae Catherine (Dolby) Palmer on November 24, 1925, at her family’s home in Bridgeport. On December 28, 1944, Beulah married J.C. Rister in New York City, NY. He preceded Beulah in death on June 3, 2001. Beulah was a life-time member of Shiloh Baptist Church, taught Sunday School for more than 70 years, delivered Meals on Wheels for more than 40 years, and enjoyed fishing camping, reading, sewing, puzzles, and put many hours in ironing. As a working woman, Beulah began as the opening and closing Supervisor at Misner’s Factory at the Abel Brothers’ building then worked at Abel Brothers in the parts department until it closed. She was also a loving and devoted homemaker to her family. Surviving family includes: three daughters- Brenda Ross of Bridgeport, Anita Zachary and husband Stephen of Lawrenceville, and Connie Adams of Bridgeport; one sister- Betty Jean Kirchner of Sterling; twelve grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren: and several nieces and nephews. Beulah was preceded in death by: her parents- Ellis and Clara Mae Palmer; husband- J.C. Rister; three sisters- Sally Holtz, Ruby Greenlee, and Maxine Cummins; one great-grandson- Presten Rhinehart; one son-in-law- Bob Ross; and one sister-in-law and husband- At and Merle Fye. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023, at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Bridgeport from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Shiloh Baptist Church of Bridgeport. Burial will follow in Bridgeport City Cemetery (Shiloh Cemetery). Memorial contributions can be made to the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (949 County Rd. 1300 N, Carmi, IL 62821) or the Christian Activity Center (540 N 6th St., East St. Louis, IL 62201) directly or through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
